Bus and train routes to close

PLUMMETING passenger numbers will inevitably lead to a reduction in bus frequencies and the ending of some routes this year; however, train transport will be less severely affected, it was claimed last night.

Bus Eireann spokesman Andrew McLindon said that the company was conducting an ongoing review of services “to bring them back in line with demand”, focusing on routes with “poor levels of customer support”.

The company, which experienced a 10% drop in passenger numbers last year, is losing up to €500,000 per week. In November 2009, the Labour Court recommend that the company begin implementing a cutback scheme. However, SIPTU bus drivers overwhelmingly rejected the Labour Court recommendation.